Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., will no longer prescribe puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to minors, according to a newly announced policy scheduled to take effect in late August.

According to the Christian Post, the decision follows federal directives prohibiting the use of public funds for gender transition procedures in children and increasing scrutiny of their safety.

The policy change was shared in a notice titled “Message for Existing and New Patients” and will apply to all patients enrolled in the hospital’s Gender Development Program. The hospital cited “escalating legal and regulatory risks” as its reason for halting these treatments.

Hospital cites federal policy shift as primary driver

In January 2025, Children’s National had already temporarily paused puberty blockers and hormone prescriptions after an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. That order outlined the federal government’s intention to restrict funding for medical interventions related to pediatric gender transition.

The order clarified that no federal agencies should fund or support institutions that perform such procedures on minors. Hospitals or research facilities receiving money for education or medical services from the federal government were directed to comply.

While Children’s National has not provided gender-related surgeries that involve the removal of healthy tissue, it has offered puberty blockers and hormone therapies to support gender-diverse youth. The upcoming permanent end to these prescriptions marks one of the most significant shifts since the administration began enforcing new health policy priorities in 2025.

Federal health report warns of multiple risks

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released an extensive report earlier this year detailing medical concerns related to gender transition procedures in young people. The 400-page document highlighted several health issues potentially caused by such treatments.

Among the harms listed were infertility, altered sexual function, hindered bone development, heart and metabolic problems, mental health disturbances, surgical complications, and regret. The report raised concerns that children and adolescents undergoing these procedures might face lifelong health consequences without a clear understanding of the long-term effects.

Health and Human Services officials cited independent research to support their claims, including the Cass Review—a comprehensive study commissioned by Britain’s National Health Service. The Cass Review concluded that there was no strong evidence supporting the long-term benefits of medical interventions targeting gender-related distress in youth.

Ethics and evidence questioned by federal agencies

Based on these findings, the Department of Health and Human Services concluded it would be “unethical” to perform gender-modifying procedures on minors until data confirms they are both safe and beneficial. The agency emphasized that researchers must be confident in assessing and managing foreseeable risks before any intervention is approved.

The Cass Review contributed significantly to this stance, with its findings casting doubt on whether youth-oriented gender procedures meet ethical and scientific standards. The NHS publication concluded that much of the current treatment methodology lacks a solid foundation in high-quality long-term research.

Children’s National Hospital’s decision appears to align with the conclusions of these federal and international reviews, reinforcing the position that greater caution is warranted before prescribing puberty blockers or administering hormones to minors.

Broad implications for hospitals receiving federal funding

The Trump administration has expanded its policy beyond just federally funded research institutions. On July 17, the National Review reported that the White House mandated all hospitals that accept Medicare or Medicaid coverage to stop performing sex trait modification procedures for anyone under 18.

Since virtually all large health institutions—including Children’s National—receive some form of federal funding through these programs, the new guidelines have far-reaching consequences beyond Washington, D.C. Providers nationwide may face similar requirements or risk losing government reimbursements.

By halting the prescriptions, Children’s National is positioning itself to remain in full compliance with federal mandates, even if those policies evolve further in the future or face legal challenges.

Families and patients face policy-induced disruptions

Patients currently enrolled in the hospital’s Gender Development Program will be affected by the change. Many minors receiving or awaiting puberty blockers and hormone therapies may be required to seek care elsewhere, if available.

It is uncertain whether other regional or private providers will continue to offer these treatments against the backdrop of mounting policy and legal barriers. While the hospital has not disclosed the number of patients impacted, advocacy groups and parents may soon demand clarity and alternatives.

For now, Children’s National is one of the first major pediatric hospitals to adopt the administration’s restrictive interpretation of care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. Whether additional institutions will follow remains to be seen as the national conversation about these treatments continues to unfold.